Hartes bury uncle a month after Michaela's funeral

Just weeks after Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte and his family mourned the loss of their beloved daughter, they yesterday returned to St Malachy's Church, Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, to bury her uncle, and Mickey's brother, Paddy Harte, who was 71.

Just weeks after Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte and his family mourned the loss of their beloved daughter, they yesterday returned to St Malachy's Church, Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, to bury her uncle, and Mickey's brother, Paddy Harte, who was 71.

Mourners spilled into the grounds as the priests spoke of Mr Harte's reliability and dedication as a caretaker of the chapel for two decades.

Among the mourners were Mickey Harte, Michaela's husband John McAreavey and many figures from the traditional music scene and GAA Tyrone County Board.

The Mass took place in the same church the family had attended for Michaela and John's wedding in December, then again for her funeral just four weeks ago yesterday.

Parish priest Fr Michael Seery said the Harte family was "holding up well", with prayer and the support of the community helping them through these sad times.

"He (Paddy) was a very gentle person and had a gentle manner. He'll be badly missed around the locality," said Fr Seery.

Yesterday Mr Harte's pioneer pin and his honorary medal from traditional music organisation Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann were brought up as offertory gifts.

Members of the Tyrone football panel and local football club Errigal Ciaran, where Mickey Harte's sons had played football, provided a guard of honour.

Meanwhile, in Mauritius, the bail application hearing for the accused in Michaela's death is due to get under way tomorrow. Four hotel employees -- charged with either murder or conspiracy to murder -- remain in custody.